Saffron compounds and effects on the nervous system
What it found
Saffron and its active compounds have shown protective, calming, antidepressant and memory-enhancing effects in lab and human studies.
The plant could be a useful medicinal food ingredient for nervous system disorders.
What they found
Studies in people and animals
Nervous system effects
Lab and human studies have supported protective, calming, antidepressant and memory-enhancing effects of saffron and its compounds safranal, crocin and picrocrocin.
Other findings
Active compounds
Saffron contains apocarotenoids, monoterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and phytosterols. These have been widely investigated for therapeutic effects.
Reaching the brain
Some active compounds in saffron are well absorbed and can pass the blood-brain barrier. This means they can reach the nervous system.
What the authors conclude
- They say saffron and its active compounds could be a beneficial medicinal food ingredient in drugs targeting nervous system disorders.
How it was done
Saffron is used traditionally in Chinese, Ayurvedic, Persian and Unani medicines. The authors wanted to review its chemistry and its effects on the nervous system.
The authors reviewed experimental and clinical studies on saffron's bioactive compounds, including how well they are absorbed and whether they can reach the brain.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This is a review of other studies, not a new experiment. It cannot prove that saffron itself causes these effects in people.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Al Ain University, United Arab Emirates; University of Swabi, Pakistan; The University of Lahore, Pakistan
The paper
- Title
- Nutritional and health beneficial properties of saffron ( Crocus sativus L): a comprehensive review
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Abu-Izneid T, Rauf A, Khalil AA, et al (2022). Nutritional and health beneficial properties of saffron ( Crocus sativus L): a comprehensive review. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1857682PubMed 33327732DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error